Component evaluations using non-engine based test system

A method for using a burner-based automotive exhaust gas simulation system to test an automotive exhaust system component, comprising:

• providing a burner system having at least a burner for receiving air and fuel having an air-fuel ratio and for combusting fuel to produce simulated engine exhaust;
• an exhaust line for carrying the exhaust from the burner to the component;
• and a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust gas downstream the burner;
• placing the component in the exhaust line downstream the heat exchanger;
• using a computerized control system to control the A/F ratio of fuel and air combusted by the burner, and to control the temperature of the exhaust at the input to the component;
• and
• exposing the component to the exhaust during an air-fuel ratio sweep;
• wherein the air-fuel ratio sweep is a continuous sweep at a predetermined rate of change of the air-fuel ratio.

A method for using a burner-based automotive exhaust gas simulation system to age an emissions control device in the exhaust line of an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• providing a burner for receiving air and fuel and for combusting a fuel feedstream to produce simulated engine exhaust;
• providing an exhaust line for carrying the exhaust from the burner to the emissions control device;
• providing a cooling device for cooling the exhaust gas downstream the burner;
• placing the emissions control device on the exhaust line downstream the cooling device;
• providing an air injection device for injecting air into the exhaust line between the burner and the emissions control device;
• using a control system to simulate a number of engine cycles, each cycle having a succession of engine operating modes, by controlling at least the following engine operating parameters:
• the ratio of air and fuel received by the burner, the rate of flow of exhaust from the burner;
• and the temperature of the exhaust gas at the inlet to the emissions control device;
• wherein the simulated operating modes are at least the following modes:
• closed loop stoichiometric, open loop rich without air injection, open loop rich with air injection, closed loop stoichiometric with air injection;
• and
• exposing the emissions control device to the exhaust gas for a number of engine cycles;
• and
• varying the exhaust gas flowrate.

A method for using a burner-based automotive exhaust gas simulation system to test an automotive exhaust system component, comprising:

• providing a burner system having at least a burner for receiving air and fuel having an air-fuel ratio and for combusting fuel to produce simulated engine exhaust;
• an exhaust line for carrying the exhaust from the burner to the component;
• and a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust gas downstream the burner;
• placing the component in the exhaust line downstream the heat exchanger;
• using a computerized control system to control the ratio of fuel and air combusted by the burner, and to control the temperature of the exhaust at the input to the component;
• using the component to treat the exhaust during specified operating conditions of temperature and air-fuel ratio;
• providing supplemental oxygen into the exhaust, wherein the supplement oxygen is controlled to provide the exhaust with an oxygen content of at least 3%;
• and evaluating the effect of the exposing steps on the component.

A method for using a burner-based automotive exhaust gas simulation system to test an automotive exhaust system component, comprising:

• providing a burner system having at least a burner for receiving air and fuel having an air-fuel ratio and for combusting fuel to produce simulated engine exhaust;
• an exhaust line for carrying the exhaust from the burner to the component;
• and a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust gas downstream the burner;
• placing the component in the exhaust line downstream the heat exchanger;
• using a computerized control system to control the ratio of fuel and air combusted by the burner, and to control the temperature of the exhaust at the input to the component;
• and
• using the component to treat the exhaust during specified operating conditions of temperature and air-fuel ratio;
• wherein the air-fuel ratio is controlled to provide the exhaust with a carbon monoxide content of at least 3%;
• and
• evaluating the effect of the exposing steps on the component.

A method for using a burner-based automotive exhaust gas simulation system to test an automotive exhaust system component, comprising:

• providing a burner system having at least a burner for receiving air and fuel having an air-fuel ratio and for combusting fuel to produce simulated engine exhaust;
• an exhaust line for carrying the exhaust from the burner to the component;
• and a heat exchanger for cooling the exhaust gas downstream the burner;
• placing the component in the exhaust line downstream the heat exchanger;
• using a computerized control system to control the ratio of fuel and air combusted by the burner, and to control the temperature of the exhaust at the input to the component;
• using the component to treat the exhaust during specified operating conditions of temperature and air-fuel ratio;
• exposing the component to liquid applied to the external surface of the component, during the step of using the component;
• and
• evaluating the effect of the exposing steps on the component.